Mata to Triple-A, Berken reinstated

The Orioles made a pair of roster moves official on Thursday, reinstating reliever Jason Berken from the 60-day disabled list and outrighting reliever Frank Mata to Triple-A Norfolk.

The club announced the 26-year-old Mata cleared waivers, thus removing him from the team’s 40-man spot and adding Berken. Mata made his Major League debut on May 26 and pitched to a 7.79 ERA (17.1IP, 15ER) in 15 games with the Orioles.

A pleasant surprise for the Os, Berken posted a 1.95 ERA before the All-Star break, holding opponents to a .235 average in his first 32 career games out of the bullpen. But he posted a 7.71 ERA in nine games after the break, prompting the Orioles to check out his right shoulder, where they discovered a labrum tear.

Berken chose to forgo surgery and is optimistic that his offseason rehab regimen will get him back on track in time for Spring Training.

***And in a sad bit of baseball news, Hall of Fame manager Sparky Anderson passed away earlier this afternoon. Keep his family in your thoughts.

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